Influence of the wavelength on laser marking on ABS filled with carbon black

The laser marking of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene filled with carbon black was studied using either an infrared or ultraviolet laser. The influence of the amount of additive on the final contrast of marks was studied for the two differentiated wavelengths. Both lasers exhibit different marking mechanisms, according to color properties, topography, and spectroscopic analysis of the marks. The infrared laser induced a thermally foaming effect and the ultraviolet laser seemed to induce a photochemical effect with the polymer matrix and removal of carbon black. The highest contrast was achieved with the infrared laser and contents of 0.1% carbon black.Financial support from EU project 7FP UV-Marking is gratefully acknowledged (http://www.uv-marking.eu/), grant agreement No 314630.Peer reviewe